BasketJackets: Game 17 at Notre Dame, Jan. 13 Wed., 9pm (ACC Network)

[GTJT622]

Note, this is a split ACC Network broadcast so pay particular attention to the list of affiliates... http://www.theacc.com/news/acc-basketball-on-acc-network-georgia-tech-at-notre-dame-01-13-2016

The game will be available for those without a local ACC Network affiliate online via ESPN-3/WatchESPN.

Tech leads the all-time series against the Irish, 7-5. The Irish are 3-1 over the Jackets as members of the ACC. Tech's games at South Bend the last 2 season have resulted in a 3-pt loss 2 seasons ago and a double OT loss to the eventual ACC champs last year.

Notre Dame is 11-5 overall and 1-2 in the ACC. They are coming off a home loss by 4 to Pitt, though the Panthers led the game and held the lead pretty much the whole way (and at times by double digits).

The Irish have five - count 'em...FIVE!! - guys averaging scoring in double figures, led by 6'1" Junior Guard Demetrius Jackson at 17.1 ppg. 6'10" Senior Post Zach Auguste is back and scoring 13.3 ppg. 6'5" Junior Guard Steve Vasturia is currently 3rd in scoring at 12.3 ppg.

This is an experienced Irish team coming off their ACC championship season. The top 5 guys (also including 6'8" Junior Forward BJ Veacham [11.9 ppg] and 6'5" Soph Wing Bonzie Colson [11.3 ppg]) account for 78% of the team's minutes as well as 84% of the team's scoring (78.6 ppg). After these 5 guys, the 6th leading scorer averages 6.2 ppg and then it drops off to the 7th leading scorer at just 2.9 ppg.

The Basket J's face yet another strong team in field goal percentage as the Irish are currently #6 in the nation (tops in the ACC just ahead of UNC) at 50.6% from the field. Side note: Louisville, Pitt, Virginia and Miami are all tied at #12 in the nation in FG% at 49.7%. Of course, the Good Guys just made life difficult for the French this past Saturday.

Tech is now #40 in the nation in rebounds per game at 40.8. Notre Dame is tied for 224th at 35.9. Of course, when you shoot as high a percentage offensively as they have been doing, it limits the opportunities for offensive rebounds.

The Irish are 213th nationally in FT shooting percentage at 68.0%. Tech is now at 70.3% which is 144th.

Notre Dame is currently the best 3-pt shooting team in the ACC and stands 13th nationally hitting at a 40.3% clip. Tech obviously must get out and defend the perimeter.

Leading scorer, Jackson, is hitting a very strong 42.6% from outside the arc and Beacham is even better at 45.7%. Of course, the Jackets' Adam Smith is currently tied for 54th nationally with a 47.1% 3-pt shooting percentage and is tops in the ACC in 3-pointers made and 9th in the nation at 54 (3.4 per game).

The Jackets are currently #40 in the RPI sporting the 36th overall SOS while ND is 58th in the RPI and the 43rd best SOS. When the point spreads are released late Tuesday afternoon, we can expect to see the Irish open as around 6 pt favorites. FWIW, the Jackets have beat the spread in all 3 ACC games so far. I expect this game - just like the previous 4 since the Irish joined the ACC - to go down to the wire. Hopefully, the Good Guys can atone for the close losses last year and turn this one into a win. Swiping a road victory in the ACC is very tough to do and getting one is huge.

Go Jackets!!

 

[BornAJacket]

This is an important game for this team. Can they show the improvement they have made by winning this game. Winning on the road is tough in the ACC and they almost did it last year. This team is better.

I continue to worry about the PG, but Marcus has done a fine job when he's been asked to be the point. But at times the offense loses a possession because of the PG play. This must improve, but can it?

As you mention, defense on the perimeter will be important.

 

[rschlee11]

Looks like I'll be hooking up the lap top. The game is televised in Landing but not here in Flint...

 

[GTJT622]

Anybody know why Jorgy didn't play against the Frenchies????

 

[GTJT622]

Tech's upcoming opponent, Notre Dame, as an 11-seed, in this week's "Last Four In" in updated (Jan. 11th) version of Joe Lunardi's Bracketology... http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology/_/iteration/195

-7 ACC teams in (Wake in "First Four Out")
-No sign of the Jackets...which makes sense even though our RPI is significantly improved now...just keep winning, babyyyyy
-Only 4 of 14 SEC teams in...LSU just outside looking in...no sign of course of the Cesspool, though subject to change as their schedule is very favorable over the coming weeks
-French drop from the 2-line to a 3-seed...should've dropped more and think they are still too high
-VCU is a projected 11-seed...we beat them
-UNC and Nova are 2-seeds...Pitt is a 5-seed...3 of our 5 losses

 

[Texwood]

Anybody know why Jorgy didn't play against the Frenchies????

Jorgy was a coach's decision per CBG.

 

[GTJT622]

Jorgy was a coach's decision per CBG.

Thanks. I wonder what prompted the coach's decision. Hmmm...

I think we look just fine with MGH and Smith handling the ball with occasional help from T-Jax. The PG position remains a revolving door at Tech. Who woulda thunk Point Guard I would ever experience what we've seen at that position over the last decade???

 

[GTJT622]

AJC's Ken S: Opposing ACC head coaches signing praises of CBG's bunch...

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/college/acc-coaches-extolling-jackets/np3PW/

When's the last time you read this about a Tech team?...

“I’m really impressed with Georgia Tech,” Brey said. “(Coach Brian Gregory) has done a great job kind of reinventing his group down there. They’re really gifted offensively. They’ve kind of changed their M.O. and they really can come at you and attack you.”

 

[GTJT622]

From South Bend, game announcers will be...

• Justin Kutcher, p-b-p
• Cory Alexander, analyst

Complete game notes from rr.com... http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools...o_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20160111aaa.pdf

Game time weather forecast in South Bend... 21 degrees, flurries

 

[rschlee11]

Anyone going? I've decided since I can get the game on tv here in Flint, I'm going to look for tickets and make the 3hr 45mun drive to South Bend.

 

[GTJT622]

Good Guys open as 7-pt underdogs as expected.

 

[BornAJacket]

I bet the other coaches would be really impressed if GT had a top quality PG playing with this team.

 

[GTJT622]

I bet the other coaches would be really impressed if GT had a top quality PG playing with this team.

Agreed, though I wonder how close are we getting to Adam Smith being our PG shared by MGH and T-Jax at times and 3 scholarshipped true PG's being cheerleaders on the bench.

 

[GTJT622]

AJC's Ken S. writes about Tech's point guard position... http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/college/what-moving-georges-hunt-to-the-point-could-do-for/np36Z/

 

[BornAJacket]

Agreed, though I wonder how close are we getting to Adam Smith being our PG shared by MGH and T-Jax at times and 3 scholarshipped true PG's being cheerleaders on the bench.

I do believe we have played the best ball when one of these are used, However, Heath has had times when he has performed well. He's just very inconsistent.

 

[Buzzforlife]

Dave Odom has good insight into the chemistry of a lineup(one day I will pass on an interesting story involving my son and his grandson who has a first name of Cremins).

To me Jacobs is better off the bench, probably Heath too. I do believe the injuries have cut into Jorgies productiveness. He is most likely the most talented of the three, only needing to stay healthy and play within himself.

 

[GTJT622]

There were substantial rumors right after last season of Jorgy transferring out of Tech. Will be interesting to see what happens with him over the remainder of the season and right after if he goes more games sitting all or most all of games on the bench. Will also be interesting to see if Heyward moves on via graduation (opening up a ship) or is back another year as Buzzforlife hypothesized in a separate thread not long ago.

 

[rschlee11]

Anyone else on the board going to the game or will I be the only one?

 

[GTJT622]

Probably you are the only one. Good luck. Safe travels. Go help the Good Guys take a W back to Atlanta.

ESPN-3 blackout map for tonight's game FWIW... http://espn.go.com/watchespn/blackout?id=2711655

Available on ESPN-3 in the green shaded areas.

 

[GTJT622]

Good Guys open as 7-pt underdogs as expected.

Game Day morning update...early $ coming in on the Good Guys as the line has moved to 6 1/2

 

[BornAJacket]

Anyone else on the board going to the game or will I be the only one?

I can't make it..

But I hope you have an awesome time. I expect it to be a very entertaining game. I hope it ends well for Ga Tech.

 

[BornAJacket]

Probably you are the only one. Good luck. Safe travels. Go help the Good Guys take a W back to Atlanta.

ESPN-3 blackout map for tonight's game FWIW... http://espn.go.com/watchespn/blackout?id=2711655

Available on ESPN-3 in the green shaded areas.

I wonder why ESPN3 is not available from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island?

 

[GTJT622]

I was actually a bit surprised there wasn't more black on that map. The game is being carried live via a Myrtle Beach network affiliate per the link in the OP. However, that goes for lots of locations. For instance, here in God's Country, like normal, we get all of the ACC Network games on NBC29, its CW sister station, or its 24-hr weather channel. (the fun of being in diehard ACC country and in a college town area that loves its ACC hoops, but I digress) I figured ESPN-3 would not be available in an area like mine.

The NBC prime time network shows tonight up here in the Charlottesville area will be replayed at a later time/date so it can televise the NC State-FSU ACC Network game live. Our GT-ND game will be televised on the CW sister station. You see that in the Research Triangle, Charlotte and a handful of other markets in the ACC footprint, but you won't likely see that happen in major markets like Atlanta or DC, which makes sense.

On a related side note, I read earlier this week that 87% of TV viewers in the SeaTac TV market were viewing the Seahawks playoff game at Minneapolis this past Sunday afternoon (well, morning in the Pacific Northwest for most of the game), which begs the question what the hell were the other 13% of the people doing?

 

[GTJT622]

A pretty good game preview from the Irish side... http://notredame.247sports.com/Article/Preview-Irish-try-to-avoid-slide-host-Yellow-Jackets-42778944

 

[Texwood]

Game Day morning update...early $ coming in on the Good Guys as the line has moved to 6 1/2

The line has increased to 8.5 with a tempting GT +340 on the money line. I don't feel great about this one, but +340 looks like good value.

 

[GTJT622]

Thanks, mate. Will have to consider 1 unit on GT and the pts. I think over 146.5 will get a 2 unit investment from me as well.

 

[BornAJacket]

the line seems to be bouncing around alot

 

[GTJT622]

As of 7:15pm, ND -8 and no surprise the O/U has risen to 149.5

 

[Texwood]

I played 1 unit on GT +340 @ND after hitting GT +200 for 3 units against UVA. Call it irrational exuberance if you must, but after years of utter hopelessness I feel entitled to dream a little a dream.

I also uncharacteristically threw a few dollars at the Powerball as this is one of the very rare occasions that the lotto offers value (assuming there aren't multiple hits).

Worst case scenario is that I'm out 1 unit (plus a few dollars) with the BasketJackets at 1-3 (and 1-3 was my best case scenario going into our first four). So all considered, I'm playing with house money here.

Best case scenario? GTAA's balance sheet improves considerably while each of you four get a million bucks!

 

[GTJT622]

Not a strong first half by either team offensively. I like the way we are attacking the rim. Defense is better as well. We contested most all of their shots properly.

This game should go down to the wire. We should get a shot at swiping one on the road, which is huge obviously. Hopefully the guys can get it done.

 

[Texwood]

MGH getting rejected by the rim on his dunk attempt in the waning moments sums this one up. This game was there for the taking if any combination of a few shots/layups fell. I am most encouraged by the defensive effort in these last two games. To be 1-3 and in each and every one of these first four ACC games is encouraging.

 

[GTJT622]

Poor execution once again over the last 5 minutes. Two chances at a key possession defensive rebound and we blow it each time. Damn.

Glad this 4-game stretch is over. Now the Good Guys return home for 5 of the next 7. Glad we didn't go 0-4 in this tough start. Time to get on a roll. Though, in come the Hokies who defeated the Deacs at home tonight in a high scoring affair, 93-91. Hokies are 3-1 in the ACC. All 3 wins in Blacksburg.

 

[GTJT622]

I agree the D has been better the last couple of games. The French don't score much to start with but you can't just go by point production (or lack thereof) on their part as we forced them to shoot well below their normal percentages. The Irish tends to score a lot more and for the most part we did better last night. Having said that, the flurry (particularly early 2nd half) of wide open layups and dunks to Auguste (sp?) was terrible defense. They tightened that up during the last 10 minutes thank goodness, but the lack of talking and switching on those easy scores for ND was far from good D.

I found it odd that Chuck only played 25 minutes and really wasn't in the game down the stretch. I realize CBG wanted Heath in there to defend Jackson and that makes some sense, but it really hurt us on the defensive boards. Those key missed D boards we had with a few minutes left on same possession but back-to-back misses by ND giving them a 3rd chance to score when we could have gone down and potentially tied it up or closed it to about 1 I think Chuck gets those rebounds with ease.

It's near impossible to go on the road in the ACC and shoot 33.3% from the field, 26.3% from outside the arc, and 64.7% from the free throw line and win a game. We were in the game because ND didn't shoot any better and as far as 3's goes was even worse at 2-of-15 for 13.3%. I credit our defense for some of that.

The one bright spot is we only turned the ball over 5 times, which is very good for any team and something that has really improved during CBG's era versus his predecessor.

We may have seen or are in the process of seeing the end of the Jorgenson era at Tech.

The Hokies roll into the Enormous Hooter Saturday with a ton of confidence. Knocking them out early like Duke did at CIS last Saturday would be good. Hopefully we get a good crowd. I think these guys deserve it.

 

[GTJT622]

After the loss last night, we dropped 2 spots in the RPI to #42. However, our overall SOS has now moved up to 24th. Our non-conference RPI SOS is 96th. We need to defend Cremins Court now.

Upcoming games (and their current RPI in parenthesis):
HOKIES (123)
CARDINALS (27)
at NC State (120)
at Syracuse (79)
DUKE (12)
MIAMI (17)
WAKE (63)

All of these games are winnable. Protect the home floor and swipe a game on the road sandwiched in the middle in Raleigh or upstate NY.

 

[BornAJacket]

I was not at all impressed with the Jackets last night. They really stunk it up. I guess they believed after taking down #4 this would be easier.

25% shooting in the first half? Not getting rebounds on offense and defense? Times of zero ball movement? Missed free throws?

Very disappointed in that effort. They can do better.

 

[Buzzforlife]

You are spot on with Jorgy, it reminds me of the elder Poole or Julian Royal. Might be wrong, but I don't see 2 of the three PG's coming back.

 

[GTJT622]

CBG (or whoever) needs to land a goldmine PG in the '17 class. I'd love to see a diamond in the rough appear in this class, but that is extremely unlikely.

It will not surprise me at all if next year's PG position is manned by Heath & T-Jax. Hopefully - and isn't this getting tiresome - we will have a grad transfer fall in our lap at the position as a rental for one season until we can get a (hopefully) difference maker in the '17 class.

 

[BornAJacket]

No doubt a ball handler is needed, but big men will be too, his team will be losing a ton of talent. But for let's focus on this team and leave that conversation for later times